Two Distinct Types of 3D Printing

Additive manufacturing is a 3D printing technology that uses materials to build layers into 3D objects. Primarily, it prints by adding materials known as 3D printer filaments one drop at a time. Then, the printer draws a shape on a flat surface and another on top until the model is complete. Therefore, you can purchase the Snapmaker Christmas sale for affordable 3D printers. 

Various materials are used to create these layers, but the ones used primarily are melted plastics or thermoplastics. The type of filaments you choose to use will depend on the results you want to achieve. Therefore, expect to make a lot of different trials and errors to pinpoint the exact material that will produce what you want. Knowing the components and properties of the filaments will help you make the right decision.

On the other hand, printers come in different shapes and sizes. Additionally, they can be configured in various ways depending on your end goal. But the most used one with designers and engineers can be broken into two distinct types. They include;

1.       Fused Deposition modelling

Fused deposition modelling 3D printers work by adding layers using filaments; it is famous in additive manufacturing technology and is a natural alternative to traditional manufacturing processes.

During the FDM printing process, the extrusion of filament is done through a nozzle melting while being gradually deposited in a structured form on the build platform until the object is done. The process works by the filament being extruded and melted through a nozzle to 3D object a cross-section of a print, each layer at a time. Once the filament is melted and extruded, it is deposited in a predetermined location on the 3D printing bed, a place where it cools and solidifies.

The extruder of the christmas 3d printer is attached to a system with three axes, X, Y, and Z direction. But sometimes, some designers might opt for additional devices like Rotary Model to add a 4^th axis.

2.       SLA Stereolithography

Stereolithography 3D printing is the opposite of FDM 3D printing, this process does not melt plastics into liquid, but it uses a UV-reactive liquid that is hardened under the light. Each layer is cured using a LED array emitting lights in a set of patterns.